Recieved this from librarything early reviewers last week - and had to read it straight away.

This is a beautifully written novel, about some of the most turbulent years in Iranian history. The book opens in 1969 at the time of the moon landings ( the back cover says 1950 - I assume that is an error). Immediately we become introduced to the family and servants of Aqa Jaan who have lived in the house of the mosque, and been custodians of the mosque itself for 8 centuries. We follow the fortunes of the various characters as the country changes around them, the Shah deposed and the Ayatollah's take his place. During this time of upheaval loyalties are tested and often laid aside as people turn against their own, Kader Abdolah manages to convey perfectly the terror and helplessness felt by good people as so much around them turns very bad indeed. I loved the character of Aqa Jaan - a wonderfully wise and deeply human man through whose eyes we witness the tragedies the revolution brought about. A really good, hard to put down novel. Very glad I have had a chance to read it.


Bookray starting soon

spike1972 - UK
Katweeble UK (int'l)
fluffy-owl UK (EU)
Icila - France - (Int'l)
GronnLivsstil - Norway (int'l)
Okyrhoe Greece - (int'l)
oppem - USA (USA)
SeamonkeyofTVCH USA (USA Pref)
valpete - USA (int'l)
toukokuu- Finland - (int'l)
Sherlockfan - New Zealand (int'l)

On the way to Spike in Cardiff - enjoy : )

Arrived safely this morning.

Oopsy! I never got as far as doing a journal entry for this and it was some time ago, but sufice to say I did enjoy it and it's worth a read. One of the things I liked about this, and books like it, was learning a bit about other cultures.

I'm taking this to the first Cardiff Meet we've had in aaaaaaaaages.

Pick up at the meeting at Kemi's Cafe on the weekend. Planning to read and re-release soon.